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Three first-year and three veteran teachers were named District Educators of the Year at special celebrations held annually to honor teachers who give 100 percent when it comes to improving the lives of children. In addition, Northside’s Nominee for the 2013 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching was announced.

By Brian T. Woods, Ed.D., Superintendent In the last few weeks we have all heard reaction to the ruling in the school funding lawsuit. That reaction ranged from those clamoring for restoration of the cuts from the last legislative session to others who advocate delaying any work on school finance until after all appeals have been heard. The reaction that really bothers me is the one that says that while school funding in Texas has increased dramatically there are no substantial improvements in student outcomes.

All Northside elementary schools will have digital security surveillance cameras and access controls installed over the next 18 months. The $13.4 million project was approved by voters in the School Bond 2010 election. In the wake of the recent shootings at a Connecticut elementary school, this project takes on added urgency.

All Northside high schools and middle schools have had security cameras for a few years. Those were funded out of School Bonds 2004 and 2007.

Almost 4,100 community members gave their input by completing the online Strategic Plan survey. The survey results will help shape the 2013-2018 Strategic Plan currently being developed by approximately 600 NISD parents, staff and other community members.

The Northside Board of Trustees is appreciative of the continued support of the residents, taxpayers, and parents of this District and we work with you and our Legislators to improve the state of public education in Texas. It is expected that the state will appeal Judge Deitz’s ruling on the inadequacy, inefficiency, and the unconstitutionality of school finance.

Northside students continue to excel and receive numerous honors and awards. Below is the list of students who were named national merit semifinalists or commended scholars, scholar finalists in the 2012-13 National Hispanic Recognition Program, and National Achievement Scholar semifinalists.

Northside ISD Trustees passed a Resolution that rejects all attempts by Texas Legislators to divert tax dollars away from public schools in the form of vouchers or any other mechanisms that reduce funding to public schools. See full Resolution here

San Antonio is one of six finalist cities bidding to host the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials for Swimming, and San Antonio Sports needs your help to convince USA Swimming officials that San Antonio is the right host. Just imagine cheering on the best swimmers in the nation as they vie for a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team in our Alamodome. Simply go to http://www.sanantoniosports.org/imin/ and enter your email address and click the I'M IN! button.

Since Rayburn Middle School, Glenn Elementary School, and Powell Elementary School opened 50 years ago, the schools have educated thousands of children and become cornerstones in the communities. The trio will be celebrating their golden anniversaries, and are inviting current and former students and staff to join them.

Students, staff, parents, and community members are invited to join an open discussion of the decisions facing the state Legislature regarding education funding and high-stakes testing scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8.

NISD Adult & Community Education recently unveiled a new website, making it even easier to search for and register for classes. And, Adult & Community Education also launched a Facebook page and is now on Twitter.

A news release issued by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is re-posted here as a community service. For more information, call (210) 207-8790, visit the Metro Health District website, or contact your family physician.

Earlier this week, a reporter from WOAI-TV interviewed Superintendent Brian T. Woods about the state of education, school finance, and accountability. WOAI posted a video of the interview in its entirety.

January is designated School Board Recognition Month in Texas, and Northside ISD is joining other districts across the state to gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contributions that elected Board of Trustees make to their communities.

Northside ISD alumni are scattered across the country, and even around the world. But no matter where their lives have led them, our alumni all share a common bond—and that’s the place they started out. That’s why the Northside Education Foundation is working on new publications for Jay, Marshall, Holmes and Clark high schools.

Northside ISD has just launched an iPhone and iPad app that provides community members a quick, easy, and mobile phone-friendly way to access information about NISD schools and services, including campus phone numbers and addresses, cafeteria menus, and district news and events. The app can be downloaded for free through the App Store. NISD is currently working on an Android version but a release date is not available yet. Click here to learn more.

Similar to many of you, I watched with horror the events of last Friday in Newtown, CT. As an educator and a parent the event was particularly painful. We all grieve for those involved in this tragedy. In Northside, many have asked about our security procedures and some have expressed interest in more security measures being installed. I wanted to update you on the measures we have in place and where we plan to go in the future with respect to school safety.